Gender based violence

Gender-Based Violence is 'any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering to women. This includes threats of violence, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or private. This definition covers a broad range of acts occurring in the family including battering, sexual abuse of female children, dowry-related violence, and marital rape.

Violence against women is a violation of women's human rights, a cause and consequence of gender inequality, and a major cause of women's ill health. It is a detriment to their well-being, very often a crime, and a significant cost to the resources of the wider society. As a consequence, there are policy issues across the whole range of subjects that concern governments. These issues are particularly important in the area of crime, health, family, education and economic well-being.

Audience: It is intended for users and producers of statistics, middle and senior staff in statistical organizations, policy and decision makers, academia, and stakeholders interested in gender statistics.

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